Politicians come to blows in Venezuelan parliament over disputed election

Fistfights have broke out in Venezuela's parliament, leaving a number of legislators bloodied and injured during an angry session linked to the South American nation's bitter election dispute.

By Reuters

2:36AM BST 01 May 2013

The opposition said seven of its parliamentarians were attacked and hurt when protesting against a measure to block them from speaking in the National Assembly over their refusal to recognise President Nicolas Maduro's victory in the April 14 election.

Mr Capriles has refused to recognise his victory, alleging that thousands of irregularities were committed and the vote "stolen."

"They can beat us, jail us, kill us, but we will not sell out our principles," one of the opposition parliamentarians, Julio Borges, told a local TV station, showing a bruised and bloodied face. "These blows give us more strength."

The fracas came after the government-controlled National Assembly passed a measure denying opposition members the right to speak in the chamber until they publicly recognized Mr Maduro as the nation's president.

"Until they recognise the authorities, the institutions of the Republic, the sovereign will of our people, the opposition deputies will have to go and speak (to the private media) but not here in this National Assembly," said Diosdado Cabello, the head of parliament.

Both sides accused each other of starting the incident, which took place behind closed doors without media present.

In another potential flashpoint for the OPEC nation of 29 million people, the government and opposition are planning rival marches in Caracas on Wednesday to commemorate May Day.